Tick tock goes the clock,
Until this Manor is
No more
Will the mouse
Find a way out?
Free of guilt;
Oh, safe and sound?
Time is running out, detective.
Angel Mallory has always been unlucky. Seemingly retired from their old job working for the Guil...
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Ava yanked my wrist, dragging me out of the room. I could hear absolute chaos behind me, baseless accusations flying towards all directions. She hastily reached for something inside her bag. Her fingertips reached what seemed to be a door key.
The change in her behaviour took me by surprise. I was astounded, but she probably had a good reason. We rushed into the dimly lit pantry room. Ava locked the door behind her.
"H-hey, what are we doing?" I stammered, slightly intimidated. Ava tightened her grip on the hem of my shirt. A knot of anxiety started tightening on my lungs. Was it anxiety? I couldn't tell.
"Why the hell would you tell them that?" she hissed, keeping her voice low. My back hit the wall and I felt my heartbeat getting significantly faster. "That dip shit, the Viscount, will make a huge fuss about this... he's so childish." she took in a furious breath "why would you?"
Th-thump
The space between us was limited- if Ava were to move her elbow upwards, she could very easily- no, I shouldn't have thought about that. Ava wouldn't hurt me I gulped, holding my breath in anticipation.
"I just thought they deserved to know..." I muttered, suddenly unable to focus on anything. Ava must have sensed my discomfort- she instantly loosened her grip. Ava grimaced in guilt and I exhaled, a silent 'thank you' written across my face. The harsh gesture turned gentle; she wrapped her arms around me, sighing into my shoulder. I surrendered into the hug- it was a much needed one.
"How do you even know you're correct- are you sure it's one of us?" she muttered, never once backing out of the hug. Ava's breath brushed against my shirt, making the fabric warmer.
"I'm really positive. Plus, I'm sure it's not just one person...this looks like it could be something big." I spoke with certainty. "Why did you drag me all the way here?"
"Just wanted to talk somewhere private." her breathing caught, like she wanted to say something but she was hesitant. "I don't think we should be revealing all of our leads to the general public."
"What? Why?" My brows furrowed.
"Look, if you are right and it's one of us doing this-" Ava Hansen exhaled, crossing her arms "-what's stopping them from hurting you, or-" she licked her lips nervously "-or anyone here if-" Ava's voice broke. She started to fidget, her eyes darting around the room and landing on anything but me "-if they find out you are close to solving this thing."
"Ava," I paused, my tone soft. I didn't like seeing her on the verge of tears. I didn't want her to worry. Especially for me, of all people. "I know you've heard this a thousand times but, you really don't have to worry about me. Trust me on this." I reached out, wiping a tear away.
"No, Angel I can't trust you on this-" she backed, spitting out the last word with anguish. "I've known you for so little time and you've already got hurt. Have you any idea, how worried I was, when I found you there-" Ava hiccuped "-next to that godforsaken lion statue-"
